Knowledge and Attitude of Nursing Students Towards the Care of Patients Living With HIV/AIDS: a Case Study

Abstract

The Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus (AIDS) is one of the most significant Public Health problems confronting the human race. This study explored the knowledge and attitude of nursing students in a tertiary health institution towards the care of patients who are living with HIV/AIDS by employing a quantitative & descriptive design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 165 students who have had contact hours of lectures on the subject matter as well as been exposed to care of patients in the clinical areas. Results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a df of 0.05. Findings revealed that 147 (89.1%) of the respondents have good knowledge of HIV/AIDS and are aware of the universal safety precautions; 116 (70.3%) feel protected using the universal safety precautions. However, 107 (64.8%) respondents strongly agree that being exposed to HIV infection is a major source of concern, while 85 (51.5%) of the respondents strongly support the idea that patients living with HIV/AIDS should not be admitted into the same ward with patients suffering from other disease conditions. The study recommends that all patients should be regarded as potential HIV carriers until proven otherwise due to the multifarious nature of the disease. Health workers are also reminded to adhere strictly to the universal precaution and the AIDS policy guidelines in the management of HIV/AIDS patients at all times.